HHS recently announced that it will not impose penalties if business associates disclose protected health information relating to COVID-19 during the public health emergency period. This waiver, announced in a Notification of Enforcement Discretion, applies if the disclosure is for public health and health oversight activities. It will apply, the Office for Civil Rights at HHS explained, even if their business associate agreement with covered entities does not specifically allow for such disclosure if two things hold true. First, that the disclosure or use is made in “good faith” for public health activities and health oversight activities.  Second, that the BA informs the covered entity within ten days after the use or disclosure occurs.  Examples provided by HHS include BA notifications to public health authorities, such as the CDC, health departments and CMS.
Continue Reading HHS Relaxes Restrictions on Certain PHI Disclosures During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency